MM Critic's Picks

Recommendations / mini reviews for films in the Independent Drama Category:

Snow Cake (2006)
Henry Poole is Here (2008)

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Snow Cake (2006) - Sigourney Weaver gives a brilliant performance as a high-functioning autistic woman (Linda) in this charming film, which explores the relationship between Linda and Alex (Alan Rickman), a grief-stricken man dealing with inner demons after being involved in a fatal car accident. Weaver's no-nonsense approach is totally refreshing -- it would be all too easy to milk this kind of role for sympathy. Linda's tell-it-like-it-is attitude is such an interesting counterpoint to Alex's tight-lipped restraint. Marc Evan's simple but engrossing film is a beautiful study of people and relationships. In a film where the acting is everything, we are lucky to be treated to such fine performances!

Henry Poole is Here (2008) - A sweet and thoughtful film about a man who wants nothing but solitude in what he thinks are his final days, and who gets anything but after a nosy neighbor discovers a stain on his wall that appears to be the face of Jesus. The genius of Mark Pellington's quiet film is that it does not go in the typical "Hollywood" direction that one would expect after the discovery of the religious symbol. It remains a quiet tale of the journey of one man, and the relationships that he develops with the woman next door and her troubled 7-year old daughter. Luke Wilson does a credible job in the title role. Radha Mitchell is a bright presence as the neighbor, and Morgan Lily is adorable as the link that ties it all together. Adriana Barraza is totally refreshing as the nosy but caring neighbor. All in all a delightful and surprising film.